The Library of Things is a collection of nontraditional items available for the Needham community to borrow such as tools, technology, and other fun equipment. Items may be checked out and returned to the Needham Free Public Library Circulation Desk on the first floor. Non-residents can borrow these materials, however, these items are requestable by Needham residents only
Please do not return items in the book drop!
Borrowing
In order to borrow a Library of Things item, patrons must meet the following criteria:
- Borrowers must have a valid Minuteman Library Network card in good standing.
- Borrowers of Library of Things items must be 18 years old or older.
- Borrowers will receive a copy of the Library of Things Lending Agreement.
- Borrowers must pick up and return the Library of Things item at the Needham Free Public Library Circulation Desk.
Loan Periods
A Library of Things item may be borrowed for up to 2 weeks and renewed up to two times unless another borrower is waiting.
Proper Use and Liability
As with all Library materials, the borrower is responsible for the item and will be billed for reasonable repair, replacement costs associated with damage, or loss of items and/or peripherals (including components, accessories, and carriers) due to neglect or abuse. A list of replacement costs of items is available upon request.
The Needham Free Public Library is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur from use of a Library of Things item. The Needham Free Public Library staff claims no expertise and makes no representation concerning the fitness of any tool for any particular use.
It is the borrower’s responsibility to protect against loss. Staff will inspect Library of Things items upon return. Borrowers are expected to return the item with all parts, components, and careers to the Circulation Desk. Borrowers will be responsible for any damage to a Library of Things item while in their possession.
Feedback
Tell us about your experience with the Needham Library of Things collection and/or suggest a new item for the Needham Library of Things collection by filling out this Library of Things Feedback Survey!
Arts & Crafts
Circular Knitting Needles
Borrow a pair of circular knitting needles. The Library has a range of US sizes: 3 – 11.
Cricut Explore 3
The Cricut Explore 3 is a DIY cutting machine. Make custom vinyl stickers, personalized home decor, unique greeting cards, custom designed apparel, and more! Vinyl, transfer sheets, and other supplies are not included.
- User Guide [PDF]
- Cricut Explore 3 Overview [VIDEO]
- Design Space Intro for Cricut Explore 3 [VIDEO]
Crochet Hooks
Borrow a crochet hook. The library has a range of US Sizes: D – K.
Double Point Knitting Needles
Borrow several double point knitting needles. The library has a range of US sizes: 2 – 10.5.
Drop Spindles
Spin your own yarn with a drop spindle.
Sewing Machine
Sew fabrics together with this Singer machine! Fabric and thread is not included.
- User Guide [PDF]
- Singer Sewing Machine Insert [PDF]
- Singer Sewing Machine Safety Insert [PDF]
- Meet the MX231 Sewing Machine [VIDEO]
- Sewing Labs Tutorials: Bobbin Tips [VIDEO]
Stencils
Trace some fantastic designs with this stencil multipack. It contains 25 different sheets of various shapes and designs.
Straight Knitting Needles
Borrow a pair of knitting needles. The library has a range of US sizes: 4 – 15.
Yarn Winder & Swift
Wind your yarn easily with this yarn winder and swift!
- User Guide [PDF]
- Learn how to use an umbrella swift and yarn winder [VIDEO]
Assistive Devices
Activity Apron
This activity apron is designed to provide stimulating activities and textures for people with cognitive impairment.
Cane
This adjustable Nova HD offset cane weighs 1 lb.
Handheld Magnifying Glass
This handheld magnifier has a built-in LED to illuminate what you want to magnify.
Hands-free Magnifying Glass
This chest magnifier illuminates and enlarges text for easy reading while sitting. This model is hands-free.
Laptop Screen Magnifier
This large magnifier can enlarge laptop screens for better visibility.
Large Print Keyboard
This large print keyboard has high contrast and enlarged keys to visualize the board more easily.
Light Therapy Lamp
This Verilux HappyLight Portable Light Therapy Lamp is 9″ x 5.6″ inches and it weighs 1.3 lbs.
- User Guide [PDF]
Page Magnifier
This page magnifier illuminates and enlarges text for easy reading.
Page Magnifier with Stand
This page magnifier illuminates and enlarges text for easy reading. This model includes a stand so it is hands-free.
Personal Sound Amplifier
This device amplifies sounds closest to the listener while reducing background noise. It is ideal for one-on-one conversation, small-group conversation, television listening, or conversing in the car.
- User Guide [PDF]
Reading Ruler Aid – Coming Soon
This ruler aid helps readers strengthen visual tracking, blocks distractions, and helps concentration and focus.
Rolling Walker
This rolling walker provides extra balance and support. It includes a padded seat and basket.
- User Guide [PDF]
Transport Chair
This lightweight wheelchair with hand brakes has large back wheels to help with uneven surfaces.
- User Guide [PDF]
Audio Equipment
Cassette Recorder and Player
This Jensen Portable Cassette Player/Recorder allows you to load cassettes into the tape deck and hit record.
- User Guide [PDF]
CD Player
This Jensen Personal Compact Disc player allows you to listen to CDs at home with headphones.
- User Guide [PDF]
Record Player
This Crosley Discovery Turntable connects to your Bluetooth or AUX in speakers. The turntable plays three speeds: 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records.
- User Guide [PDF]
Cables and Adapters
USB-C to HDMI Adapter
This Anker USB C to HDMI adapter allows you to connect any TV or monitor with a HDMI port to stream video from a laptop or phone’s USB-C port.
- User Guide [PDF]
Computer Accessories
Card Reader
This card reader will read SDHC, microSDHC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, and Memory Stick Micro (M2) media via 480 Mb/s USB 2.0 Type-A technology with the 4-in-1 USB 2.0 Vidpro Card Reader.
Floppy Disk Drive
This external floppy disk drive can read diskette storage when attached to a computer through a USB cable.
- User Guide [PDF]
Digital Converter
This ClearClick Video2Digital converter allows you to transfer from VHS, VCR, DVD, DVR, Camcorders, Hi8, and more to digital formats.
Ring Light
Light up your set, scene, or workspace! This 6-inch LED ring light comes with a tripod stand.
Scanner
This Brother DS920DW mobile scanner can scan single-sided materials at up to 8ppm, up to 5ppm duplex, in both color and black/white. The scanner’s dimensions are 10″ x 13.9″ inches and it weighs 1.17 lbs.
Gaming
Nintendo Switch
This kit includes Nintendo Switch, Switch Dock, Switch AC adaptor, 2 Joy-Controllers (L+R) and straps, Joy-Con grips, and HDMI cable. Games are not included, but can be checked out separately.
- User Guide [PDF]
Hotspots
Hotspots
Mobile hotspots allow free access to a steady wi-fi signal. These hotspots circulate with guide and power adapter.
Outdoor Activities
Backpacks
This waterproof backpack weighs 7 ounces and can be stored in a 7.4″ x 5.5″ inch pouch.
Birdwatching Kit
This kit contains a pair of Celestron NatureDX 8×32 binoculars and the Field Guide to Birds of Massachusetts by Wayne R. Peterson (Scott & Nix, 2017).
- User Guide [PDF]
Camping Chairs
This Coleman Cooler Quad Chair weighs 8.3 pounds with a carrying case.
Dome Tent
This dome tent fits six people. It is 10 feet x 9 feet with a 10 feet x 5 feet screen room. The tent height is 5 feet and 8 inches in the center.
- User Guide [PDF]
Music & Musical Instruments
Karaoke Machine
Show off your singing skills with this karaoke machine and two wireless microphones.
- User Guide [PDF]
Mini Keyboard
Show off your musical talents with this Yamaha PSS-A50 digital keyboard!
- User Guide [PDF]
Ukulele
Learn to play ukulele! This kit contains one ukulele and several picks to practice your musical skills.
- User Guide [PDF]
Photography
Digital Camera
Take photos with this Kodak PixPro FZ43 Digital Camera and accessories.
- User Guide [PDF]
Camera Drone
Fly with this DJI Mini SE camera drone and controller.
- User Guide [PDF]
- DJI Mini SE Informational Insert [PDF]
- DJI Mini SE First Flight Tutorial [VIDEO]
GoPro Action Camera
Use this GoPro Hero 10 action camera to record high-speed videos and photos of your adventures!
- Starter Guide [PDF]
- User Guide [PDF]
Science & Technology
Electronics Kit
Build your own robot with this electronics kit! All robots must be disassembled before returning the kit.
- User Guide [PDF]
- Elegoo Electronics Kit Tutorials [VIDEOS]
Microscope
This Moysuwe Digital Microscope with a 4.3 inch LCD screen and USB cable can connect to a computer or laptop. Its magnification range is 10x – 1000x with a resolution of 2 MP/720P. It is compatible with Windows operating systems only.
- User Guide [PDF]
Raspberry Pi Kit
This Raspberry Pi CanaKit contains one Raspberry Pi computer (Raspberry Pi 4 1GB Model B with 1.5GHz quad-core CPU with 1GB RAM) with a 128GB microSD card and USB card reader.
- User Guide [PDF]
- Raspberry Pi Guide [PDF]
- Canakit Informational Inserts [PDF]
Telescope – Coming Soon
Take this telescope home to explore the wonders of the night sky!
- [PDF]
- [PDF]
- [PDF]
Tools
Gripper
Use this grabber to extend your reach at home or outside!
Metal Detector
This Kentoktool Underground Metal Detector will help you find buried treasure. It comes with headphones, a small shovel, and a carrying case. It weighs 2.4 pounds.
- User Guide [PDF]
- Kentoktool TX-4071 How-To [VIDEO]
Paper Shredder
Shred your documents or credit cards securely at home with this Amazon Basics paper shredder. This cutter can shred up to 8 sheets at a time.
- User Guide [PDF]
Power Meter
This power meter measures power (W), energy (kWh), volts, amps, hertz, power factor, and maximum power (W).
- User Guide [PDF]
Stud Finder
This RISEPRO stud detector uses a micro-sensor chip to precisely and quickly find edges and center of metal, studs, joists, pipes, or live AC wires behind walls, floors and ceilings.
Toolkit
This Craftsman 57-piece toolkit contains sockets, a ratchet, slip joint pliers, spinner handle, drill bit adapter, screwdrivers, tape measure, fiberglass hammer, bit bars, and a hex key set to help with your home improvements.
Walkie Talkies
This two-way radio or walkie-talkie set contains two radios, belt clips, and a charger.
- User Guide [PDF]
Toys
Puzzles
Pick up a puzzle for a visual challenge!
Toniebox
This screen-free digital listening experience tells stories with different figurines!
- User Guide [PDF]
Video Equipment
Blu-ray Player
This Samsung Blu-Ray Disc Player (Model: BD-E5300) and remote plays Blu-ray discs when plugged into a TV or monitor.
Blu-ray and DVD Player
This Blu-ray and DVD Player kit includes everything you need to watch movies on your TV screen at home. It plays both Blu-rays or DVDs.
- User Guide [PDF]
Google Chromecasts
Cast video or audio streams from your phone or laptop to your TV or other monitor in your home with this Google Chromecast.
Portable DVD Player
Portable DVD Player kit includes everything you need to watch movies on a portable 9-inch screen.
Roku Streaming Sticks
Roku streams free and live TV with access to channels such as Hoopla, Kanopy, and Vudu for Needham Free Library accounts.
- User Guide Roku Express [PDF]
- User Guide Roku Express 4K [PDF]
- How to Set Up the Roku Express/Express+ [VIDEO]